Despite the government’s assurance that sufficient fuel reserves exist to last at least two more weeks, numerous petrol stations have shut down, while others limit the amount of fuel motorists can purchase.
Investigations reveal that several petrol stations in Nairobi are experiencing shortages, compelling drivers to travel farther distances to obtain the essential commodity.
Some Nairobi motorists report that certain petrol stations were out of fuel on Friday morning, with those still offering fuel increasing prices to Ksh200 per liter.
This occurs despite the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announcing pump prices on March 14, 2026, which set the retail price of Super Petrol at Ksh178.28 per liter and Diesel at Ksh166.54.
“We have had to queue extensively to find fuel. We typically buy a liter for Ksh160, but they are now charging Ksh200,” one motorist stated.
The situation is particularly severe in Mombasa and Kakamega counties, where drivers face significant challenges.
Many fuel stations in these regions are reportedly depleted of fuel. Retailers are blaming the major oil marketers responsible for distributing fuel to petrol stations.
The marketers stand accused of stockpiling fuel, anticipating price adjustments.
Reports indicate long queues forming in Mombasa as motorists search for fuel, with some stations imposing strict limits on the quantity each customer can purchase.
“Finding fuel has become a major issue. You visit a petrol station and discover very little fuel available with numerous people waiting in line,” a tuk-tuk operator in Mombasa commented on Friday.
“Without fuel, we boda boda riders cannot work. And without work, we have no income,” another individual added.
In Kakamega, matatu operators report no fuel available within the town center, forcing them to travel to the outskirts of the CBD to purchase the commodity.
Amid the turmoil, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary informed Parliament on Thursday that the nation possesses fuel reserves capable of lasting approximately 16 days.
However, on Friday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that fuel shipments have arrived in Mombasa to cover April’s needs.
According to Mwaura, the government expects deliveries to continue through Tuesday, April 14.
“In April, we have already received our next consignment. Typically, we import eight shiploads of fuel, and we have an effective system for maintaining supply stability. There is no reason for concern as we are addressing the situation as a government,” Mwaura stated.
Nevertheless, accusations persist that some oil marketers are hoarding fuel, anticipating higher prices largely influenced by the Iran conflict, which has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.